How Can We Prevent, Detect, and Recover from Cyberattacks? Part III

Is Zero Trust a Practical Model for Effective and Efficient Security?

This post marks the third in our series on Prevention, Detection, and Recovery from Cyberattacks. Today, we’ll be diving into the concept of Zero Trust.

According to the fifth annual Cyber Resilient Organization Report, a significant 74% of organizations surveyed revealed that their cybersecurity plans are either ad-hoc, inconsistently applied, or nonexistent altogether.

The increasing use of cloud services, combined with on-premises applications, allows users to access systems and data from Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) setups around the world. While this flexibility improves productivity, it also introduces a high risk of data breaches. With business operations rapidly evolving due to a growing remote workforce and the constant introduction of new attack methods, it’s clear that many organizations are still relying on outdated response plans that no longer align with the current threat landscape.

What is Zero Trust?

As cyberattacks become more advanced, attackers are increasingly using sophisticated technology, much like any legitimate business. In response, security practices and attitudes are also evolving. Some security professionals argue that a more stringent approach is necessary for particularly sensitive environments.

Zero Trust is a security model that operates on the principle that nothing, whether inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default. Every user, device, or system must be authenticated and verified before being granted access.

Is Zero Trust a Viable Model for Effective and Efficient Security?

Traditional security practices have often focused on perimeter defenses, with more recent attention being paid to insider threats. However, once the perimeter is breached, attackers can cause significant damage by using legitimate user credentials that often grant access to numerous systems within the environment. This is due to the excessive trust placed in internal users. This issue highlights the need for a Zero Trust security model, which ensures strict access controls and assumes that no one, even those inside the network, should be trusted by default.

What Technologies Support Zero Trust?

A July 2020 Forbes article, "14 Tech Experts Explain How to Successfully Adopt Zero Trust," outlines several key recommendations for organizations looking to implement Zero Trust security. These include:

• Employing personnel with the necessary skills
• Treating all entities as potential threats
• Using software or services to identify vulnerabilities
• Supporting DevOps teams
• Returning to core security principles
• Establishing a formal Zero Trust process
• Properly implementing and managing Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Focusing on smaller, manageable tasks
• Implementing micro-segmentation
• Using cloud-based APIs
• Developing a strong cybersecurity policy
• Investing in IAM tools
• Promoting user education and adoption
• Integrating Zero Trust into the company culture

The article emphasizes that adopting Zero Trust can seem daunting due to the need to scrutinize all elements within the network for potential threats. However, it is more achievable than it might initially appear. A recommended approach is to break the project into smaller, more manageable phases. Implementing Zero Trust is not just about technology it also involves establishing the right processes and fostering a security conscious culture.

One important process is micro-segmentation, which involves dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments. Each segment requires separate sign-ins and two-factor authentication. The more segments there are, the more secure the system becomes. Technologies that play a key role in Zero Trust include IAM, next-generation firewalls, multifactor authentication (MFA), encryption, security orchestration, and file system permissions.

What Are Organizations Doing About Zero Trust?

Many organizations have already implemented multifactor authentication (MFA), IAM, upgraded their firewalls to next-gen versions, and are adopting micro-segmentation to protect sensitive and privileged data. Companies in the cloud have more flexibility compared to those with legacy systems, as cloud environments can be more agile in implementing Zero Trust principles.

However, implementing Zero Trust is an ongoing effort that requires a clear, strategic approach. Organizations must have a comprehensive strategy in place before integrating different technologies. Furthermore, building a strong security culture and providing adequate training are crucial to the successful implementation of the Zero Trust model.